‘Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ Initiative
Why in News?
The "Ek Din, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath" (One Day, One Hour, Together) initiative is in the news because a massive, nationwide collective cleanliness drive was successfully conducted across India on October 1, 2026.
About the Initiative
- Core Umbrella Campaign: The initiative is a core highlight of the Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) 2026 Campaign, which runs from September 17 to October 17, 2026.
- The 2026 Theme: This year’s activities are centered around the theme "Swachhata Mein Sahbhag, Swachh Bharat, and Viksit Bharat". It emphasizes collective participation, civic duty, and shared responsibility to build a clean and developed India.
- The Meaning of the Slogan:
- Ek Din (One Day): October 1, 2026.
- Ek Ghanta (One Hour): A dedicated, simultaneous one-hour block of voluntary labour.
- Ek Saath (Together): A call for community-driven unity (Jan Bhagidari) involving citizens, sanitation workers, and top political leaders working side by side.
- Wide Institutional Participation: Major government bodies actively conducted localized drives at public and heritage sites. For example:
- The Ministry of Tourism brought together around 500 participants to clean the historic Hauz Khas Fort in New Delhi.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare held a major drive near Kartavya Bhavan.
- The [Ministry of Ayush](https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleaseDetail.aspx?PRID=2317602®=1〈=1 "Ministry of Ayush Observes "Swachhata Hi Sewa" with Cleanliness ...") organized cleanup operations directly at Ayush Bhawan.
- The Ministry of Mines led community cleanup efforts in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
- Primary Objectives: Beyond physical cleaning, the program focuses heavily on creating widespread public awareness regarding proper waste disposal, minimizing single-use plastics, and institutionalizing personal and environmental hygiene habits.
